After being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, Mandanna Salartash recognized how fortunate she was not to face financial hardship during treatment. Seeing other women struggle inspired her to establish the 501(c)(3) Salartash Family Foundation in 2024 and create the Pickled Pink Breast Health Initiative, which provides support to local breast cancer patients.
“During my treatment and recovery, I was surrounded by family and friends who gave me strength. But I also saw women who had no one. That’s why we started the Pickled Pink initiative — so no one has to go through this journey unsupported,” Salartash said. “So we’re there basically on the ground to help them ease the burden of their treatment as much as we possibly can so they can just focus on their health.”
On Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, the foundation will host its second annual Pickled Pink Pickleball Tournament, at ProShot Pickleball in Egg Harbor Township. The event will bring together players, sponsors and community members to raise funds for the initiative.
The tournament follows last year’s sold-out debut, which took place at Pickle Juice Pickleball Club in Ventnor. The inaugural event drew 64 players competing in a round-robin format, with divisions for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Spectators filled the venue, cheering on participants while enjoying food and beverages provided by Nobil Food Catering. Guests also participated in a silent auction and purchased exclusive Pickled Pink merchandise. The day raised $100,000, all of which was donated to the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute.
This year, the goal is to match the funds raised last year, while expanding the foundation’s efforts to reach even more people in the community by partnering with more organizations, Board Member Christine D’Alessandro said.
Money raised through the Pickled Pink tournament is distributed through partnerships with local cancer centers, allowing staff to identify patients most in need of help.
The foundation’s support includes assistance with transportation to appointments, post-surgical garments, wigs, meal programs, and help with rent, mortgages, utilities and other living expenses. The goal is to ease the financial and emotional strain of treatment, so patients can focus on recovery.
Just like last year, the second annual event will feature a round-robin competition, a silent auction with local and luxury items, catered refreshments and exclusive Pickled Pink merchandise. Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to join in, whether competing on the court or cheering from the sidelines.
“Coming off of last year’s success, we remain committed to providing needed resources for breast cancer patients in our area, while also hoping to reach more of them as we expand our efforts,” Salartash said. “We invite players of all levels and spectators to join us for another wonderful tournament, and another chance to make someone’s journey to recovery one they don’t do alone.”
Registration, sponsorship information and details about the Pickled Pink Breast Health Initiative are available at pickledpink.net.
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
